Dementia affects the brain. It’s a progressive brain disorder that can affect a person’s cognition, judgment, and affects their ability to live an independent life.
Experts say the biggest risks for dementia include, simply getting older, most people with dementia are diagnosed after age 60 and a family history of the disease.
However, scientists have recently learned more about potential risk factors for dementia, and some of those might surprise you.
Tooth loss: A study published this month in JAMDA: The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine found that the more teeth a person had lost, the greater their risk of developing dementia or cognitive decline. However, scientists don’t know what the causal relationship is between lost teeth and brain issues. They are of the opinion that It might involve nutrition, exposure to oral bacteria or socioeconomic status.
Poor sleep: These findings suggest that short sleep duration in midlife is associated with an increased risk of late-onset dementia. Your best bet is to get a minimum of seven to nine hours of sleep a night. If you’re not getting there regularly, your doctor can help.
Hearing loss: Hearing loss can be an early sign of many conditions, including dementia. It’s vital to care for your ears. You can take care of your ears by limiting or avoiding noise exposure and get your hearing tested regularly.
Smoking: It’s bad for your brain. When you stop smoking, your brain benefits from increased circulation almost instantly.”
Unhealthy lifestyle: According to a recent study a healthy lifestyle involves one that follows recommendations about smoking, alcohol consumption, weight, diet and exercise. Having a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of cognitive impairment by 55 percent.